What AI Is Already Doing to the Legal Industry

In this episode of the Odd Lots podcast, hosts Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway interview Joel Wertheimer, a civil rights lawyer, about the impact of AI on the legal profession. They discuss how AI tools like ChatGPT-4 are changing legal research, document review, and brief writing, potentially making junior lawyers more efficient but also raising concerns about training and the distribution of value within law firms. The conversation explores whether AI will lead to a reduction in billable hours, the rise of alternative fee arrangements, and the increasing importance of interpersonal skills for lawyers. They also consider the possibility of AI expanding access to legal services for those who cannot afford it and the potential for AI to be used in evaluating damages in personal injury cases.